∞ Report: Apple in talks to buy Lala streaming music service

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Apple could be setting the groundwork for an iTunes streaming music service, if rumors from CNET are true.

overview_hero20090909According to a story posted on Friday, Apple is in “advanced” acquisition talks with Lala digital streaming music service. An Apple spokesperson would not comment on the rumor and Lala were not available for comment.

Since Apple is the largest music retailer in the U.S. right now, it seems the obvious use of a company like Lala would be a streaming service on iTunes or from its Web site. Perhaps even making a service available from the iPhone or iPod touch.

CNET said it had two sources for the story that were close to the discussions, but did not name either source.

Update: The New York Times is reporting that the deal is done.


  • Sam Jones

    I find this odd. Apple already has its own in-house streaming technology, doesn’t it? I mean… QuickTime server technologies could do something similar for years? Why can’t they just integrate that with the existing iTunes software?

    Why does Apple need to go and buy out a separate company for this? Can someone elaborate what I’m not seeing in the Lala advantage?

  • Eric

    Could this have something to do with that $40 million facility they’re building in North Carolina? Mobile Me will allow us to store our iTunes library backup online, and let us stream it through any device we want?

    • Jim Dalrymple

      Interesting thought.

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